Extension of Time Wins Tasmanian Dash for Cash

Wednesday, 28 February 2007 00:00

Extension of Time wins in Adelaide on debut

The rise of Dash for Cash as one of the country's most talented first season sires continued at Launceston today with his classy daughter Extension of Time winning the $100,000 Shaw Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

A member of the powerful David Hayes stable, Extension of Time sat on the speed throughout before sweeping to the lead in the straight and winning in great style.

At her fourth career run the daughter of Group winning Fraar mare Nina Haraka packed too many guns for her rivals and delighted her connections.

"It was a great win," Hayes' stable foreman Gary Fennessy said.

"She's a tough filly and I'm certain she will be better when the distances go up," Fennessy added.

Hayes elected to send the filly to Tasmania after a debut win in Adelaide and a narrow third placing at Sandown in Melbourne.

"There were a couple of nice races down here," Fennessy reported. "She could easily have stayed and won in Melbourne."

Extension of Time was purchased by prominent Melbourne bloodstock agent Mark Pilkington for $150,000 at last year's Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.

The bay filly has now earned over $104,000 with the promise of plenty more to come - particularly as she matures into a three-year-old and her distances head out toward a mile.

Extension of Time is a fitting winner of a race restricted to graduates of Magic Millions Yearling Sales. As well as being a MM graduate herself, her sire Dash for Cash and dam Nina Haraka were both MM buys who raced to Group race success prior to being retired for stud.

Extension of Time

The effort of the runner-up Gelignite Speed (Partners Choice) was excellent for Jodi Borrett and Jim Mason. The multiple winner looks set to be a stakes performer in the near future.

Third place was filled by the Hemingway youngster Robevale - for the Murphy and Keys combination.

Dash for Cash, the sire of today's Classic winner Extension of Time and a resident of the Sangster family's Swettenham Stud in Victoria, has made a dream start to his siring career.

He has been represented by four individual winners from just ten runners. The four winners are all metropolitan winners. He already has two stakes performers.

PICS - Jenny Barnes.

Singapore Racing for TVN and Tassie TOTE

Monday, 18 December 2006 00:00

Australian punters will see Singapore racing on TVN and be able to place their bets through TOTE Tasmania from January 5, 2007 in a major coup for the two Australian operators.

The Singapore Turf Club has joined forces with TVN, the dedicated thoroughbred racing channel in Australia, and TOTE Tasmania, in a three-year exclusive arrangement to bring Singapore racing into Australia.

Initially, only the Friday night meetings from Kranji racetrack would be televised live and open to betting. Saturday and Sunday afternoon racing would be phased in over a period from four to six months.

The president and chief executive of the STC, Mr Yu Pang Fey, said the approach from TVN and TOTE Tasmania last year coincided with the club’s growing ambition to internationalise its racing product.

“I am very excited by this opportunity to showcase Singapore racing in Australia and I firmly believe that it will quickly gain a strong following amongst racing enthusiasts and punters alike,” Mr Yu said.

“We have quite an Australian flavour here in Singapore. We have the ever-popular trainer John Meagher with us, as well as well-known Australian jockeys such as Aaron Spiteri, Luke Currie and Ronnie Stewart riding with us. Come January 07, we will also see Noel Callow as well as Australian-based “Joe” Fujii joining the ranks of jockeys here in Singapore. Australians will have no problems familiarising themselves with the Singapore racing scene”.

TOTE Tasmania chief executive officer Terry Clarke said the agreement further enhances the company as the most progressive totalisator in Australia.

“We have put a lot of time and energy into developing international business opportunities and this is one of the biggest wins we have been able to deliver for the company,” Mr Clarke said.

“TOTE Tasmania was the first TAB in Australia to implement the necessary technology to link into foreign operator’s pools, using the Inter Tote Systems Protocol (ITSP), originally developed in the United States.”

He said that TOTE Tasmania, which is currently offering South African racing, Dubai racing and now Singapore racing via ITSP, is looking to add further linked international product in the first half of 2007.

The STC considered it was important its racing product was promoted and showcased appropriately, and believed this could only be done on TVN.

TVN chief executive officer Peter Sweeney said the introduction of Singapore racing would complement TVN’s existing domestic and international racing coverage.

“Thoroughbred racing has a proud history in Singapore and they are very much part of the international racing circuit,” Mr Sweeney said.

“TVN is pleased to be in partnership with TOTE Tasmania for the introduction of the Singapore Turf Club’s racing product to Australia.”

The Singapore Turf Club, TVN and TOTE Tasmania started discussions on the collaborative project in August, 2005. However, the Singapore Turf Club did not have the necessary technology at the time to allow other TABs to link into its pool, nor for it to link into other totalisators’ pools.

Part of the arrangement between the parties has been for TOTE Tasmania to provide the technical advice and assistance to enable Singapore Turf Club to acquire the necessary technology.

Punters interested in betting on the Singapore racing will need to have a betting account with TOTE Tasmania, and can watch the racing live on TVN.

For more information on Singapore racing, visit www.turfclub.com.sg or for all the relevant local information including race times and dividends, visit either www.tvn.com.au or www.thetote.com.au.

The Singapore meetings will also be broadcast on TOTE Sport Radio. Punters can gain audio access by going to www.thetote.com.au and clicking the TOTE Sport Radio icon.

Media Release - TVN / STC / TOTE

Tasmanian Derby - Final Field and Barriers

Wednesday, 07 February 2007 00:00

The final field has been released for Saturday's Group Three $201,250 Cadbury Tasmanian Derby (2200m) at Hobart.

01 REGAL CHIVAS (Elesha Pilgrim) GL Smith (11) 56.5
02 FIRST WORLD (Rick Hore-Lacy) V Duric (13) 56.5
03 TRIABUNNA (David Brunton) B McCoull (12) 56.5
04 SAVAL PRINCE (Terry Roles) S Snell (5) 56.5
05 CURRIGEE (NZ) (Peter G Moody) P Mertens (4) 56.5
06 THEREALSHOWPONY (John Blacker) (8) 56.5
07 GANADOR (Lee Freedman) C Kingston (9) 56.5
08 MINIBAA (Tony Noonan) S Murphy (a) (7) 56.5
09 JOHN'S LUCK (John Blacker) (3) 56.5
10 MARCH HOME (George Blacker) (10) 56.5
11 WEST COAST BOY (Leon Wells) (1) 56.5
12 RHUMB LINE (Gary White) (6) 56.5
13 THE WOLVERINE (NZ) (Troy Corstens) (2) 56.5

Tattersall's Buy Naming Rights at Elwick

Tuesday, 25 July 2006 00:00

Effective today, under the naming rights arrangement, Elwick will be known as Tattersall's Park.

TOTE Tasmania Chairman Michael Kent said the redevelopment of the racecourse as a tri-code facility and conference venue was obviously a major investment for the Tasmanian racing industry.

"Tattersall's has been a good friend of Tasmanian racing over many years and TOTE Tasmania is very pleased it has chosen to continue to support racing in this way," he said.

Mr Kent said the long-term arrangement included an option for a further period.

Tattersall's Chief Executive Officer Duncan Fischer said he continued to be impressed with the work undertaken in Tasmania by the TOTE and the racing clubs to further develop the industry.

"Associating Tattersall's with Elwick and the new conference venue is a natural fit for our company given the history of the relationship we have enjoyed with Tasmanian racing," he said.

"The redevelopment of Tattersall's Park has delivered Tasmania a multi-purpose entertainment venue equal to any in Australia and one that we are thrilled to be associated with for the next decade."

Under the new arrangement, in addition to naming rights, Tattersall's will continue to sponsor the Tattersall's Thomas Lyons Stakes and the Tattersall's George Adams Plate.

Mr Kent and Mr Fischer said the two organisations were very much looking forward to a successful future association with the racing clubs at Tattersall's Park.

Media Release - TOTE Tasmanian

Insurance Solution in Tasmania for Visiting Hoops

Friday, 02 February 2007 00:00

The carnival starts at Tattersall's Park, Elwick, next Saturday (February 10) with the running of the Cadbury Tasmanian Derby.

At a meeting in Hobart today, the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council (TTRC) agreed to increase benefits to all local and interstate jockeys and apprentices riding in Tasmania.

It was agreed to increase the weekly income benefits to injured riders from $600 per week or 90 per cent of earnings, whichever is less, to $1000 per week or 90 per cent of earnings, whichever is less.

The cover includes race riding, official trials and trackwork for jockeys or apprentices at registered race courses or registered training facilities under the Rules of Racing.

The agreement will run until July 31, 2007. Should the Tasmanian government not have legislated changes to the Workers Compensation Act by that date, the Jockeys Working Party will determine jockeys' insurance cover as from August 1, 2007.

The TTRC statement said that the Jockeys Working Party and industry stakeholders will exhaust all possible scenarios regarding workcover, personal cover and other avenues of compensation on behalf of the industry's jockeys and apprentices moving forward into the 2007/08 season and beyond.

TOTE Tasmania acting chief executive Craig Coleman said he was delighted the issue has been resolved ahead of this year's AAMI Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival.

"It is an outstanding solution of benefit to all jockeys, particularly those coming to Tasmania from interstate," Mr Coleman said.

"We are very pleased with this outcome and now look forward to a magnificent racing carnival. The interstate interest from trainers and jockeys indicates that the carnival has the potential to be the best we have conducted."

The Jockeys Working Party comprises the following who attended today's meeting:

Mr Rod Thirkell-Johnston AM (TTRC)
Mr Trevor Styles (TTRC)
Ms Kim Boyer (TTRC)
Mr Rohan Mitchell (TTRC)
Mr Craig Coleman (TOTE)
Mr Barry Davidson (TOTE)
Mr Ian Wakefield (AWU)
Mr Kevin Ring (TJA)

The TTRC announced the following from today's meeting:

Workers Compensation

Agreed Principles:

Maintenance of income
Medical expenses
Total and Permanent Disablement/Death
Cover to include official race riding, official trials & trackwork
Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council deemed as employer

Contractor Engagement:

The Jockeys working party to engage a qualified contractor to document the final proposal to be submitted to Government.
Jockeys Working party collectively collate and co-ordinate required data and statistical information on behalf of contractor.
Jockeys Working party be readily available to assist contractor with proposal.
TJA to provide 3 days dedicated legal assistance to contractor.
The TTRC and TOTE Tasmania to fund the contractor.

Timeframes / Responsibilities

February 2007 - Contractor engaged
February 2007 - TJA confirm 3 days legal representation
February 2007 - Jockeys Working Party collate and co-ordinate required data and statistical information
February/March 2007 - Contractor commences
February/March 2007 - Subject to confirmation TJA legal rep completes 3 days
End March 2007 - Contractor completes proposal
April 2007 - Jockeys Working Party submits to government
1 June 2007 - Government position requested
June 2007 - Jockeys Working Party Meeting

Media Release - TOTE Tasmania

Tassie Oaks Controversy as Jennifer Stripped of Win

Sunday, 26 February 2006 00:00

Favourite punters were left reeling when warm favourite Jennifer was stripped of her win in today's Group Three Tasmanian Oaks at Tasman Park in Launceston.

The filly, who is also in the news after returning a swab irregularity from her recent Thousand Guineas triumph, was first past the post in today's Oaks before losing the race in the stewards' room.

The panel of stewards flipped the first two placings and announced Darcenell as the winner of the state's Oaks.

A $1.80 favourite, Jennifer looked to have the measure of Darcenell was she swept past runners on the outside of the field, but a shift in when approaching the line was proven exceptionally costly.

A protest fired in by Melbourne apprentice Daniel Moor, who rode Darcenell, was upheld - much to the disgust of many punters and the connections of Jennifer.

Jennifer proved the filly of the carnival - with "wins" in the Thousand Guineas, Strutt Stakes and Oaks.

She will also be stripped of her win in the Thousand Guineas two starts back with news over the past few days her swab had returned with a positive reading to a prohibited substance.

Meanwhile, it was better news earlier in the afternoon for favourite punters when outstanding local juvenile Rustia completed the Magic Millions and Gold Sovereign Stakes double.

The daughter of Savoire Vivre finished a half length ahead of Emily's Girl, while Aunty Val was another length away in third place.

The two runners from Victoria - including McFly from the powerful David Hayes stable - both missed a place.

Despite winning a couple of races through a slight injury star local rider Brendon McCoull took riding honours with a treble. He also rode Jennifer in the Oaks.

Improved Compensation Cover For Tasmanian Jockeys

Friday, 02 February 2007 00:00

The benefits will increase the maximum weekly income from $600 per week or 90% of earnings, whichever is less, to $1,000 per week or 90% of earnings, whichever is less.

The cover includes race riding, official trials and trackwork for all jockeys and apprentices at registered race courses or registered training facilities in Tasmania.

In a joint jockey working party meeting this morning with TOTE Tasmania, AWU and TJA the TTRC advised its increased benefits plan which was widely accepted by all stakeholders.

The jockey working party also progressed with a Tasmanian Workcover Compensation proposal to the government, specific timeframes and outcomes were agreed upon during the meeting by all parties and the final submission will be presented to the government in April.

TTRC Chairman Mr Thirkell-Johnston AM said "Today's outcome ensures that all jockeys and apprentices riding in Tasmania will be eligible for benefits comparable to national standards", "the entire jockey working party will continue to work closely to finalise and submit a proposal to the government for consideration in April".

All Tasmanian and interstate jockeys and apprentices will be formally notified of the change in benefits and we look forward to a very successful Summer Racing Carnival.

Media Release - Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council

Goggin Wraps Rustia After Millions Triumph

Sunday, 19 February 2006 00:00

Outstanding Tasmanian trainer Charlie Goggin rated Rustia as one of the best two-year-olds he'd ever put a saddle on when the filly beat Victorian rival Frigid in the inaugural $100,000 Magic Millions Tasmanian 2YO Classic (1200m) in Launceston today.

A daughter of Savoire Vivre, Rustia boosted her amazing record to five wins and a second from six starts when she finished too well for Frigid. The filly should probably be unbeaten. On the only occasion she wasn't ridden by leading local rider Brendan McCoull she was beaten a nose.

Goggin said he purchased the filly as he was keen on her breeding and thought her sire was a good prospect.

"I've got a good opinion of Savoire Vivre," Goggin said. "And she has a top female family."

Rustia will most likely have one more run before being sent for a well deserved break.

"If she pulls up well she will head to the Gold Sovereign Stakes - a $150,000 listed race - next week," Goggin reported. "And then she'll go for a break."

Rustia sent her stakes earnings soaring past the $100,000 barrier with today's impressive victory. Let's not forget she could have been purchased for a mere $8,000 at last year's Magic Millions Tasmanian Select Yearling Sale.

Goggin said he and the part owners of Rustia would be looking for another yearling to buy at tomorrow's sale to "defend" their Magic Millions Classic crown.

Runner up Frigid, a member of the Kilmore stables of Peter Morgan, ran a great race. On the speed throughout, the son of Testa Rossa battled gamely in the straight but was unable to hold out the local star.

Morgan said Frigid would return to Victoria and head toward the $400,000 Malaysia Airlines Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic.

The third placegetter Regal Chivas, a colt by Lion Cavern, followed up his impressive last start win the Alfa Bowl by running a great race.

One of the eye catching efforts in the race came from the first starter Mijabele. A black filly by local sire West Quest, she finished fourth at her debut effort.

Buyers looking for the next Rustia will be delighted to learn that her sire Savoire Vivre will be represented by eight yearlings at tomorrow's Magic Millions Tasmanian Select Yearling Sale at the Inveresk Showgrounds.

The sale kicks off at 4.30pm (Tas time) tomorrow.

Tasmanian Racing Embarrassed By Jockey Compo Fiasco

Wednesday, 10 January 2007 00:00

Tasmanian racing has suffered an embarrassing blow at the start of its main racing carnival, with the revelation that interstate apprentices have no insurance coverage.

The issue has meant that Victorian apprentice Willie Hernan has had to give up a full book of 8 rides at today's Devonport Cup meeting.

According to Hernan's manager, Russell Linford, the promising apprentice will not only lose a day's riding fees, but will also have to foot the bill for travel and accomodation in Devonport, which he has paid out of his own pocket.

Having accepted the Devonport rides, Hernan will also be unable to ride at Sandown today, meaning that the fiasco will have cost him at least two thousand dollars.

Des O'Keefe, CEO of the Victorian Jockeys Association, explained:

"The issue only came to light after Katrina Cosson and Craig Atkinson were injured at King Island on New Year's Day."

The two Victorian apprentices fortunately suffered relatively minor injuries at the King Island meeting, but when O'Keefe followed up TOTE Tasmania over compensation for lost income and recovery of medical expenses he was astonished to find that Tasmania's workers compensation did not cover interstate apprentices.

"Unlike every other state, in Tasmania they consider jockeys are independent contractors rather than being deemed racing industry employees", O'Keefe said.

"When an interstate jockey rides in Tasmania he has to get a license from the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council so he is covered."

"Interstate apprentices are considered by the TTRC to be on loan from their master, so they don't need a license to ride there, but their insurance company won't insure them because they are not licensed Tasmanian jockeys."

According to O'Keefe, the workers compensation position for jockeys riding in Tasmania is a disgrace.

"This policy has been in place since at least the start of this season."

"We are very fortunate that there has not been a serious accident involving an interstate apprentice."

The coverage that is provided is only half of what a jockey would get in Victoria. Jockeys injured in Tasmania get a maximum $600 a week for income compensation compared to $1190 in Victoria and medical cover is inadequate compared to other states according to O'Keefe.

He says that responsibility for the compensation mess lies with the Tasmanian government.

"It is an indictment on the government to allow workers in a hazardous job to be working under inadequate workers compensation conditions."

"There has been a total lack of resolve by the government to sort the situation out."

"A year ago, interstate jockeys refused to ride on Devonport Cup day until they were assured that compensation was satisfactory."

Despite a change of insurers to CGU last year, the situation appears not to have improved.

O'Keefe contrasted the Tasmanian position to that in Victoria, where active co-operation between Racing Victoria, the state government and Workcover has not only seen workers compensation benefits improve, but also improved safety procedures have led to a reduction in claims.

"Racing Victoria paid $4 million in premiums two years ago and that reduced to $3.6 million last year", O'Keefe said.

Given that Racing Victoria is funding compensation cover for 50,000 starters annually, the cost per starter has declined from $80 to $72.

Tasmania has only 6,000 annual starters and pays only half of Victoria's benefits so the cost of its scheme would currently be only $40 a starter or $240,000 each year.

Doubling that amount of premium would allow benefits like Victoria to be provided and surely would accomodate visiting apprentices.

With millions of dollars being pumped into Tasmanian racing by Betfair, it would seem a small burden to provide all jockeys riding there the same level of benefits that they would enjoy elsewhere.

Goggin Grabs Two Features in Quartet at Hobart

Sunday, 29 January 2006 00:00

Top Tasmanian horseman Charlie Goggin was the star of today's Hobart Guineas meeting with four winners - including two at huge odds.

Among Goggin's quartet of victories was King's Scholar shock win at 50/1 in the feature of the day - the listed $55,400 Moorilla Estate Hobart Guineas (1600m).

He also won the listed $50,500 WFA Tattersall's Stakes with consistent performer A Dreamer.

The other two winners for Goggin came with the runaway juvenile winner Rustia and the 50/1 pop Mr Buttkicka in the Ingham Jockey Club Cup.

Riding honours at the meeting went to Brendan McCoull with a treble. His winners were Rustia, Aprilia and Jennifer - the latter in the listed Wrest Point 1000 Guineas at listed level.

Jennifer, a daughter of former Lynden Park Stud stallion Lion Cavern, produced a brilliant finish to get up and beat Melbourne filly Tagine by three parts of a length.